After a lifetime of devotion, Ben Thornton tries to focus on gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Unfortunately, a British tabloid reporter sets his sights on outing a famous athlete, namely Ben, who is just now accepting his sexual identity himself.<br><br>Meanwhile, someone crushing on Ben reveals himself via a mysterious love note. Is best friend and teammate Richie Stoker the one, or maybe Richie’s twin brother, Adam? Team members Steven, Vijra, or Cory could have authored it. Then, there’s Ben’s ex; the exe’s sibling; friend with occasional benefits, Booger Fisher; and also Ukrainian weightlifter Iggy, who follows Ben around the Olympic Village. It could also be a trick perpetrated by the gossipmonger, Ben fears.<br><br>Will the pressure of the media circus interfere with Ben’s competitions, or will Ben leave London with gold and the man of his dreams?

Double Flip

Upon passing the shoe ad he’d posed for, Ben’s euphoria recalling sexual memories gave way to reality. He knew if he wanted to sell sporty footwear, soda, cars, or candy bars, he could never get with any of the men he fantasized about. Not until his Olympic career was over for sure, in another four or eight years. Hookups could happen. Maybe. Possibly. But even if they did, Ben knew he would end up depressed afterward. Screwing in the dark, hiding, that wasn’t really what he wanted. He wanted a boyfriend. He wanted to say, “I love you,” and hold hands with someone at the closing ceremonies. He wanted to hold hands with someone other than Kat, because she should be holding hands with Tanya, he thought. 12


I have a major question I need to ask of you—a real life-changer. I’ve been trying to approach the subject for a while.


Chapter 12